Data Architect

On behalf of our client, a Global IT Consultancy, we are looking for an experienced Data Architect to lead the design and delivery of secure, cloud-based data platforms for UK Central Government organisations.

This is a senior role combining architectural strategy and delivery leadership. You'll shape target-state data architectures and ensure they are delivered pragmatically within highly regulated, security‑conscious environments.

You'll be comfortable balancing enterprise data foundations with modern cloud and analytics patterns, bringing technical rigour, clear governance, and strong stakeholder influence.

Eligibility for SC clearance is required (active clearance desirable).

What you'll bring

Leadership & Delivery

Recent experience as a Lead Data Architect / Senior Data Architect.

Ownership of end-to-end data platform architecture and delivery.

Background in consulting, systems integration, or delivery-partner environments.

Experience working with UK Central Government or ALBs (strongly preferred).

Ability to lead, mentor, and influence architects and engineering teams.

Data Architecture Expertise

Hands-on architectural experience across enterprise and modern patterns, including: Cloud-native platforms (AWS, Azure, GCP). Snowflake, Microsoft Fabric and/or SageMaker (multi-platform experience valued).

Data lakes and lakehouse architectures. Event-driven and streaming architectures. Data Mesh / Data Fabric principles, applied pragmatically.

Data product-oriented design. Strong judgement on when traditional approaches still make sense.

Data Engineering & Platforms

Strong understanding of distributed processing (e.g. Apache Spark).

Familiarity with the Hadoop ecosystem.

Working knowledge of SQL and NoSQL technologies.

Understanding of ETL vs ELT trade-offs.

Awareness of DevOps and CI/CD for data platforms.

Understanding of how ML/AI workloads integrate with data platforms.

Hands-on coding (Python, Java, R) is a plus.

Governance, Security & Risk

Experience designing within formal architectural governance frameworks.

Familiarity with government assurance processes and design authorities.

Strong knowledge of data governance, metadata and data management.

Experience designing for GDPR and UK public sector data protection.

Understanding of security boundaries and regulated cloud environments.

Stakeholder Engagement

Confident engaging and influencing senior stakeholders.

Clear communicator, able to explain trade-offs, risks and constraints.

Comfortable operating within programme and portfolio governance.

Experience working with Agile delivery models (SAFe, Scrum, Kanban).

Our client offers:

Flexible working options.

Strong focus on learning, development and career progression.

An inclusive, supportive culture that values diversity, collaboration and well-being.

A workplace committed to equal opportunities and accessibility, including guaranteed interviews for qualified candidates with disabilities disclosed during the application process.

Highly competitive top range annual salary and benefits

Additional details:

Due to the secure and highly sensitive nature of the position and working environment, you must have or be eligible to obtain SC Security Clearance This role requires the successful candidate to undergo and be eligible for UK Security Vetting at SC level.

Clearance sponsorship will be provided where required.

Due to the nature of the work, candidates should meet the relevant residency requirements. If applicable, reserved post nationality restrictions will be confirmed by the client. Damia is committed to inclusive recruitment and welcomes applicants from all backgrounds.

More details relating to UK Security Clearance can be found on (url removed)

Damia Group Limited acts as an employment agency for permanent recruitment and employment business for the supply of temporary workers. By applying for this permanent job, you accept our Data Protection Policy which can be found on our website.

Damia Group is acting as an Employment Business in relation to this vacancy and in accordance to Conduct Regulations 2003.

United Kingdom Security Vetting: clearance levels. List of national security vetting clearance levels with guidance on who requires clearance and what checks are completed.

Damia Group Limited acts as an employment agency for permanent recruitment and employment business for the supply of temporary workers. By applying for this job you accept our Data Protection Policy which can be found on our website.

Please note that no terminology in this advert is intended to discriminate on the grounds of a person's gender, marital status, race, religion, colour, age, disability or sexual orientation. Every candidate will be assessed only in accordance with their merits, qualifications and ability to perform the duties of the job.

Damia Group is acting as an Employment Business in relation to this vacancy and in accordance to Conduct Regulations 2003